OK - I've had the device for a short time frame but I thought I'd start by giving it a bit of a review after fairly superficial use.
Also - I think the initial review is likely to get some of the negatives out in the open so that I can focus on what will hopefully be more positive discoveries as I use the device for deeper exploration.
1. Delivery:
The fees for transport to Australia were very high which was a negative, but the delivery was also very fast. I certainly don't have any complaints about the speed with which it was dispatched from MindPlace nor the speed with which it actually arrived.
2. The Package:
OK - this is an overview of how I found the physical aspects of the package - build quality, what was delivered, basic usability.
I was pleased that USB cables and auxiliary audio cables were supplied. It didn't bother me that batteries weren't included and I can understand that it might border on the ridiculous to provide a USB power adaptor given the difference in adaptor specifications around the world.
However, I was less than impressed with the quality of the manual provided. The manual itself was a low quality printout at best. I would have expected a higher quality output was a product I spent that amount of money for. I also think that the content of the manual could be expanded not just to cover how to use the device, but "HOW" to use the device. I hope the non-existent distinction I've made there is actually apparent. It's annoying to me to buy a device that purports to assist in all manner of ways from entertainment to entrainment, but not really offer much in the way of offering an understanding how it really works. So you're left with a manual that covers how to press a button and a lifetime of reading on the subject all over the internet and in various bookshops to understand how to actually use the device to achieve your aims.
It may have been perceived that the forum was going to assist here, but I don't see too much evidence that the forum is a great source of knowledge nor is it particularly active.
I'm finding already that I'm searching elsewhere for the information I need and then trying to understand how it relates to the Procyon.
I can't expect MindPlace to fulfil all my desires to learn all about Light and Sound technology and how to use it to enhance my life in exactly the ways I want it to and to provide me working examples of everything I could ever need. However, I was hoping for at least a little bit of a fast track in understanding the technology better so that I can apply it myself. It's not as if the manual (for example) is already bursting at the seams with included information - all 36 pages of it.
As for the unit itself, it seems fairly cheap in its construction including the goggles. It was long ago that I had a light and sound device and I remember the goggles being particularly sturdy - like medium cost sunglasses. The glasses for the Procyon are more like a free pair of sunglasses for a child to be found in the latest showbag. The user interface leaves alot to be desired with obvious scrimping in available readouts with no quick dial of user preset numbers - in fact just one key to be used for cycling both up/down through the programs. It's a pity that the interface of a $5 calculator could not be included in the device to make it easier for the user.
Also - the device comes with a carry case that really is poorly designed for carrying the device. You get the feeling when using it that you are cramming everything in and possibly damaging the ultra-cheap build goggles in the process.
OK - so the package area was definitely a series of negative observations from me. Let's move on.
3. Functionality
So far, all aspects of the device so far that I have tested have worked. I did have an early issue where I was worried there was an issue with the USB cable connected to the device and the audio cable at the same time, but I found that I eliminated that problem by moving my USB cable to a different USB port on my laptop. This told me that there was not an issue with the device itself.
I have tested running some of the internal programs and the expected functionality - lights flickering/tone emitted occurs. That's a tick.
I have tested this with batteries, and being powered from a desktop and laptop computer and also from a USB adaptor that I purchased separately. The device works in all configurations without problem.
I have tested AudioStrobe compatibility with the Brainwave Generator software and found that (after some tweaking), I also got the expected result.
I installed the USB drivers and the Procyon Editing software and other than issues I found with the installation procedures/instructions, I had no problems with controlling the Procyon directly from the editing software. I haven't tried downloading a program to the device yet as I'm still not sure if doing so creates an additional program on the device or overwrites and existing program (perhaps more reading required).
All 3 coloured lights have been identified in both glasses from me, so no light appears to be malfunctioning.
I haven't tested SynchroMuse functionality at this time. I can't test BioConnect2 at this point as I understand an OS update is required - additionally the compatible product PreSage is not yet released. (tick tock)
So far, it's basically a thumbs up for the device actually working as expected from what I've actually used.
4. The Procyon Editor
I have to admit, I haven't particularly enjoyed my superficial experience with this. It's not a user friendly program and its installation procedures left alot to be desired.
I do need to spend more time with it to get a feel for it and I haven't given the user instructions the time they probably deserve, but I have to say I created a Brainwave Generator session using a couple of observations about binaural frequencies and a bit of experimentation. I felt no such compulsion when looking at the interface for the Procyon editor.
And this point this is neither a big negative or a positive review of the editor, but first glimpse didn't excite me a great deal. I'll see how it goes.
5. Intended effects of use
OK - here we go - the raison d'etre of the device being in my hot not-so-little hands.
I think the important thing about these devices is that your interest can wear pretty thin if you don't have a plan/reason for using them. The entertainment value can only go so far in my opinion.
I had quite a few areas I wanted to tap into with this device and could certainly see myself exploring many areas, but my No. 1 driving factor was that I wanted to practise astral projection/out of body experiences.
Have I experienced one since I bought the device? No
Have I experienced what I consider to be "different" states of consciousness. Yeah probably. I think I've probably hit some deep alpha or even theta states. OK - hardly "different", but when you consider that I'm still awake, they're "different" enough.
I think I've had more noticeable success so far in using AudioStrobe sessions from Brainwave Generator than the internal programs on Procyon, but this may be coincidental at this point.
The fact that I've reached a state of almost total blank-out where I eventually "come to" and decide to stop the session not knowing how long I've been in that state or knowing whether I really existed at all during that time is a strong sign that something has worked.
I do believe I need to combine the sessions a bit more with more traditional methods of meditation. I think expecting the device to do ALL the work is probably the wrong way to go about it. I'm thinking along the ideas of relaxation by focusing on breath might be a good start. I could then move on to some more Open Focus-like techniques. However, hopefully a technique that isn't trademarked.
So although my main aim in getting the device is not yet reached, I'm not convinced that it won't be achieved at this point. I think I need more a personal commitment in the process and further exploration before I can really express either a high level of satisfaction or disappointment. However, the fact that I'm seeing some changes in state of consciousness is promising at this time.
Summary:
OK - well a long review even though it's still early days.
As you can see there are a scattering of positive and negative comments about Procyon.
Although I would think that it would be impossible to read this user review as totally objective, I would like to point out anyway for the record that these comments are purely subjective opinions of one person - me.
They do not attempt to compare Procyon with any other product currently on the market and I don't think this review could be used necessarily to make a decision between Procyon and another similar device. As an addendum to that, I have not road-tested any other similar device currently on the market.
This is more feedback for other Procyon users to read to compare with their own reactions (and possible spark conversation) and as feedback for MindPlace itself from a user.
OK - that should be it for now.
Regards
Caleb
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